Question 1

Can I use this upgrading my AMD Athlon11 170u processor for a 64 bit HP Compaq Presario Desktop Computer?

Accepted Answer

Both the AMD 170u and the Rana use the same AM3 socket. It really depends on the compatibility of the motherboard used in your Presario. For instance, if it were a Presario CQ5700F then the Rana would work. However, if it were the CQ5600F then it wouldn't. Both systems use the 170u. Additional information as to the model you have would be helpful in this case. As for the Rana 3.2GHz processor, I have used many in upgrades at our office and am very happy with the performance/price factor.

Question 2

How do I know if this item is compatible with my desktop?

Accepted Answer

This processor is a "Socket AM3". Your desktop motherboard needs to also be a "Socket AM3".  'Socket' refers to the physical shape and size of the processor and the place on the motherboard where the processor goes. Those two areas must be the same 'socket' designation.  If you do not know the name of the socket that your motherboard has, a quick internet search on that topic should yield some results that could help you identify your socket. A small downloadable program that will identify features of your motherboard and current processor may be the best solution. Also perhaps, you can look at the motherboard itself and identify where the processor goes, and look for any written indication of the socket.

Question 3

Will this cpu fit into a AsRock N68C-GS FX? self taught on computers and have no idea what shows it will fit. Thanks for the help in advance :)

Accepted Answer

Your motherboard supports AM3 core socket processors up to 8 core. Phenom II/Athlon II. this is an Atlhon II. Fit no problem. Get best copper pipe cpu cooler you can. Recommend cooler similar to Rosewill AIOLOS ROCC-12001, 120MM Long Life Sleeve CPU Cooler. Install as many case fans as you can. Chilly is good!
Good luck!

Question 4

What do you need to unlock the fourth core?

Accepted Answer

First, we have to look to why AMD would make an X4 into an X3... But in short, in order to unlock the 4th core, if there is one to unlock, you will need a motherboard that is capable of unlocking it through the bios. I know for a fact that Asrock makes several mobos that have the ability to unlock cores. Fair warning though, not all Athlon X3's have an unlockable 4th core. Sometimes AMD finds issues with one of the 4 cores and that's why the CPU  would be stepped down from a non-workable X4 to a workable X3. Even in some cases you will not be able to unlock the 4th core because it has been de-soldered from the other working cores. This is not a guaranteed process, its what I like to call a crap shoot. However, out of maybe 200 X3's I have installed and unlocked, I have only had issues with 1/100th of those, and have not been able to unlock around 10, so your odds are good that unlocking all cores will be successful.

Question 5

I have a HP Pavilion p6517 and would like to know if this CPU would be a logical/compatible upgrade? It says it supports up to 32bit CPU's.

Accepted Answer

Product page at HP link below, hard to find, I suggest you bookmark the link for future reference. Note that your PC has a 250watt power supply. They aren't stellar to begin with, and if you have any stability issues or it wont boot, might try upgrading it as you just added up to 50w to the system. Anything more than 350 would future proof it if you want to upgrade the video. I'd suggest picking up one of the corsair builder series CX power supplies, like the 450, when it's on sale here.

Edit, they wont let me post the link. Go to Hp dot com, put BK461AA into the search box (your models real HP model number), and click the link.

clicking on processor upgrade info

Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:
Socket type: AM3
TDP: 95 watt

AMD Phenom II X4 9xx/9xxe/8xx Quad-Core (Deneb)
    AMD Phenom II X3 7xx/7xxe Triple-Core (Heka)
    AMD Phenom II X2 5xx (Callisto)
    AMD II Athlon X4 6xx/6xxe (Propus)
    AMD II Athlon X3 4xx/4xxe (Rana)
    AMD II Athlon X2 2xx/2xxe (Regor)
    AMD Sempron 1xx (Sargas)

Question 6

can this unit be overckocked ?

Accepted Answer

Yes it can be overclocked. I was also unable to unlock the 4th core

Question 7

Does the ADX450WFGMBOX support Video?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Athlon II X3 supports video. I am not quite sure what you are asking, so I will try and take this another step. This chip was made for processing power and handles video quite well. The AMD A series was made to handle video first and also handle good processing. The A series is just faster at handling video than processing. I hope this answer is good for you.

Question 8

does it work on black series motherbords ?

Accepted Answer

It works on any 'Socket AM3' motherboard. that is the spec that matters.

Questions & Answers